Computing (Software Engineering)

Two years full-time.

More and more contemporary projects are being undertaken using Object Oriented (OO) techniques (e.g. Java, .NET and C++ applications) and this innovative and distinctive course has been designed to address the need for such skills.

Students will study all aspects of the software development process including requirements engineering, systems analysis and design, construction, testing and evaluation. The high practical content succeeds in reinforcing the theoretical concepts studied and aims to produce graduates who can develop correct, robust, reusable software systems. The modules studied equip students with a solid technical underpinning in the most widely used systems architectures (e.g. Windows, UNIX). The exciting content also allows students to develop an appreciation of the wider areas of computing through progressive themes such as artificial intelligence and media technology. There is also a high practical content to reinforce academic underpinnings in specialist laboratories and students will acquire highly relevant vocational skills. A key advantage of the computing courses is that all students share a common first stage with flexible progression onto any of our computing degree courses. For those embarking on the HND route, transfer to the BSc (Hons) courses is possible at the end of stage one or two, depending on grades.

Stage one

Stage one of the computing courses is common to all and focuses on the fundamental computing principles. These are covered in the six stage one modules of computer systems, computer communications, internet technology, software engineering, problem-solving and programming and computing mathematics.

Stage two

In stage two the subjects specialise to develop further areas within software engineering. Studies include formal specification of software systems, internet programming, software engineering group project and systems design and development. There will also be a challenging group project within a small design team producing a bespoke solution to a real-world challenge.

• Object oriented techniques
• Modular curriculum with opportunities for module selection to suit an individual's chosen career pathway
• High practical content to reinforce academic underpinnings in specialist laboratories
• Common first stage with flexible progression onto any of the computing degree courses
• Acquisition of highly relevant vocational skills

• Database technology
• Formal specification of software systems
• Media technology
• Software engineering

Students are assessed by a variety of methods including coursework, coursework only and end-of-stage examinations, depending on the module.

Successful graduates will have a whole range of possible employment paths in front of them within the broad IT/computing domain. Careers in software programming, systems analysis and software testing are typical after graduation.